Antecedentes

• Ensuring the provision of high-quality policy advisory and research services to the Government of Afghanistan, along with related capacity development and knowledge management.
• Providing substantive input to UNDP and UN Country Team on country strategy and, on request, on programs and projects.
• Coordinating and supporting nationally-led policy dialogues to address Afghanistan’s social and economic development concerns.
• Creating Communities of Practice of national and international development professionals organized around selected topics, building on the UN Solution Exchange model to share knowledge and experience and collaborate in problem-solving. 
• Coordinating the preparation of the periodic National Human Development Reports.

Deberes y responsabilidades

• Policy advisory support to Government and development counterparts and facilitation of knowledge building
• Support in preparing concept papers, and strategic and policy documents as related to the mandate of the PU.
• Coordinate Solution Exchange operations and the knowledge management/learning activities.
• Prepare reports, advocacy and communications material, and participate in the building of strategic partnerships.

• Facilitate policy dialogue on development issues with the Government, donors, civil society, private sector; and contribute to development of policies, as relevant; 
• Provide top quality analysis and substantive inputs to CCA, UNDAF, CPD, CPAP, UNDP cluster strategies and other strategic documents;
• Provide advice on potential areas for UNDP support and the adjustment of ongoing programmes to ensure that UNDP programmes remain in harmony with national policies and priorities;
• Provide policy options, particularly from pro-poor and human development perspectives, on macroeconomic and development issues, for government, UNDP Programmes, and other development players; 
• Active participation in policy consultation for the Millennium Development Goals, Human Development, and pro-poor and equitable economic growth by participating in relevant forums, conferences and training courses;
• Provide training and capacity building support for UNDP staff and Government officials on development issues, if required;
• Undertake any other tasks assigned by the supervisor.

• Undertake research and analysis on political and economic conditions and policies of Afghanistan in order to facilitate the support provided by UNDP to the Government;
• Produce periodic updates and briefs on country development situations to be used by stakeholders, CO and HQ; 
• Assist in the development and formulation of assistance projects and programmes that will most effectively help the achievement of national priorities;
• Participate in the review and dissemination of best practices and lessons learnt from implementation of partners projects with a view to strengthen programming within UNDP;
• Coordinate, compile, manage and disseminate research and analysis findings across various thematic areas of PU;
• Help develop policy tools and strategic plans that facilitate achievement of policy objectives;
• Support the preparation of concept notes and strategic planning documents based on research findings of PU thematic assets;
• Undertake any other tasks assigned by the supervisor.

• Manages the liaison between the Facilitation Teams and Solution Exchange Outreach and the KM team in APRC; organizing training and orientation support; arranging for advisory visits
• Ensures support to the Facilitation Teams for common requirements – mailgroup and website administration, editing and translation, communications and public relations
• Tracks and reports on Community performance; prepares periodic reports to the Stakeholders Group and UNDP Management and the UN Country Team as relevant
• Advises and guides working groups and other teams on the use of Teamwork and other tools available from APRC
• Promotes synergies and complementarities between Solution Exchange Communities in Afghanistan and elsewhere; and with other KM/learning activities of the APRC

• Prepare regular reports and briefings on the PU’s activities and provision of thematic support;
• Contribute to development of communications and advocacy material related to the work of the unit;
• Channel information and policy related findings of PU to UNCT and other partner organizations;
• Develop partnerships with the UN Agencies, IFI’s, government institutions, bilateral and multilateral donors, national and international research institutions, private sector, and civil society based on UNDP strategic goals, country needs and donor priorities; 
• Produce high quality research papers for UNDP presentation at national and international workshops and conferences; 
• Promote awareness on UNDP’s mandate and mission in Afghanistan;
• Undertake any other tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Competencias

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.
• Displays cultural, gender, religious, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

• Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, internet, PPP, database packages, etc. Experience with web-based management systems.
• Ability to work with a wide cross-section of partners including Government, donors, I/NGOs and community-based organizations.
• A team player and self-starter able to inspire and influence action.
• Mature judgment combined with a proactive, resourceful and energetic approach to problem solving. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; and strong organizational and time management skills.
• Capacity to work under pressure and to meet strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated behavior of professional and personal ethics, transparency and openness.
• Willingness to undertake regular field visits and interact with different stakeholders, especially with primary stakeholders.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

• Master’s Degree in Economics, International Development or other related social science field.

• Minimum 7 years of experience including research and analysis, reporting and advocacy, communications, coordination, policy and programme support. 
• Previous work experience with UNDP is an advantage.
• Knowledge of the region’s political, social and economic dynamics.
• Strong knowledge Management Skills required.

• Fluency in English language and excellent writing skills are required.